Cricket Bat Facts

Sports | 7-13 yrs | Reading Pod

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History of the Cricket Bat

The cricket bat was originally shaped like a hockey stick (1624) as the batsman had to hit the ball out of the bowler’s hands. Then as cricket laws (1770) changed, the bat became straight. The bat is shaped like a paddle, with one side having a deep V (back) and the other side flat, called the blade. This allows for more air flow and greater power in the center where the ball will hit the bat. The bat has a shoulder (1860s) for the high pitched balls, where the handle is and a toe at the bottom.

The bat cannot be more than 38 inches or 965 mm long and 4.25 inches or 108 mm wide. The cricket bat weight varies from 1.1 to 1.4 kg.

When choosing a bat, see how it swings. Your hand should completely cover the handle made of soft rubber, or else you won’t be able to hit the ball effectively. Handles are covered with cricket bat grips.

Cricket bat stickers- Cricket bats are covered with various stickers representing the company the cricketer is advertising for.

Cricket bat wood

There is some chemistry involved behind the bat. The bat is made from cricket-bat willow which is light and sturdy. Linseed oil is rubbed over the bat to make the wood fibers come closer and make the bat stronger.

Dennis Lillee’s “combat bat” was made of aluminum in 1979.Cricket rules were then changed to allow wooden bats only.

Kookaburra cricket bats(2005) were initially used by Australian cricketer Ricky Pointing. A carbon fiber polymer additionally supported the bat. Since everyone did not have access to it, it was banned.

India and Cricket Bats

In India, cricket bats were introduced in the1920s. They were made from willow trees found in Kashmir. The bats are knocked for 6 hours before use and are heavier than English bats. Today a cheaper version of these bats is made from wood found in Gandhinagar and are called Mongoose bats or “half brick on a stick.” Podshaving is the craft of making bats.

Sachin Tendulkar’s bat had a thickness that extended all the way down the bat for hitting the ball more effectively; and is shorter in length.